Chess to Remain Part of eSports World Cup in 2027

Riyadh, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The eSports World Cup 2027 will include chess, confirming its place for the third consecutive year. The world’s top chess players will compete to dethrone two-time champion Magnus Carlsen.

Since its introduction in 2025, chess has become a significant component of the eSports World Cup, appealing to fans of both eSports and traditional chess. The game has gained immense popularity, transcending boundaries in both online and offline formats.

India made a remarkable showing in the 2026 chess competition, doubling its participation from the previous year. This included four grandmasters: Nihal Sarin, Arvind Chidambaram, and Pranesh M, who represented the organization ‘S8UL eSports,’ while Arjun Erigaisi played for ‘Gen.G eSports.’

Moreover, the Indian eSports organization ‘Godlike eSports’ was chosen as a club partner for the eSports World Cup, featuring Hans Niemann in the chess competition. India’s growing presence in eSports reflects its increasing influence in this field, setting the stage for an even stronger performance in 2027. The world’s largest chess community, ‘Chess.com,’ is collaborating with the eSports Foundation to determine which players will qualify for the eSports World Cup 2027 through an enhanced version of the ‘Champions Chess Tour 2026-2027.’

The selection process for chess superstars heading to Riyadh for the 2027 event has already begun. Magnus Carlsen, the reigning champion and winner of the trophy in Paris, is set to return to the chessboard next year, aiming for a historic third consecutive win at the eSports World Cup. This feat has only been achieved by Rocket League player Sami “Draeli” Haji.

All eyes will be on Denis Lazavik after his impressive performance in the 2026 event. The big question for the ‘Road to eWSC’ will be whether he can maintain his form, qualify for the 2027 tournament, and secure the title. Lazavik is not only looking to replicate his previous success but will also compete as a member of the club champion AG.AL, increasing the expectations surrounding his performance.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who played a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s victory at the 2026 Chess Olympiad, is another player to watch leading up to the eSports World Cup 2027. He faced Lazavik in the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament, ultimately losing in a five-match showdown. Currently ranked fifth in ‘Chess.com’s’ live global rankings, Abdusattorov has been a formidable player in the chess world and holds the record for being the youngest ‘World Rapid Chess Champion’ at just 17 years old.